Preliminary report: laboratory-induced stain removal as assessed by environmental scanning electron microscopy.

Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) was employed to observe stain removal during brushing with Arm & Hammer Dental Care and Crest Regular Toothpaste. ESEM allows serial examinations of the same sample, and does not require a destructive preparative process. Three extracted molars were cleaned, placed into a 96-hour broth culture of Streptococcus mutans, and stain was produced with undiluted chlorhexidine rinse, concentrated coffee and tea for a period of 23 days. After staining, the teeth were examined by ESEM, then brushed using a toothbrushing machine. Imaging was repeated after 5, 10, 15 and 30 seconds of brushing. As seen with ESEM, the Arm & Hammer product had different effects than those from the distilled water control, suggesting something other than that expected from abrasive and mechanical forces alone. There were also differences from the Crest dentifrice removal on this single sample, suggesting a possible difference between the two products. Further studies are needed to confirm and explain these effects.

A two-year clinical evaluation of TPH for restoration of Class II carious lesions in permanent teeth.

To evaluate the clinical suitability of a barium silicate-filled composite (TPH) for restoration of posterior teeth, 50 Class II restorations were restored in 36 patients. Restorations included 22 molars and 32 premolars. Cavity preparations were protected with calcium hydroxide or a resin-modified glass ionomer cement, or both. Enamel was etched for 30 seconds with 37 percent H3PO4. All dentin surfaces were treated with a dentin bonding system that was placed, cured, and restored in 2 microns increments. The restorations were finished using diamond burs, polishing points, and paste. Evaluation periods were at zero (50 restorations), 6 months (35 restorations), 1 year (31 restorations), and 2 years (29 restorations), using the USPHS System and M-L indirect scale. At zero time, 50 restorations were scored "a" in all categories by using two independent evaluators. After 6 months, 35 restorations were graded with one "a" in postoperative sensitivity. After 1 year, 31 restorations were evaluated with one additional "b" for marginal integrity. After 2 years, 2 additional "b" for marginal integrity and 1 "b" for surface staining were noted. No "c" was observed in any categories throughout this study. Wear analysis revealed, on average, 2 microns of wear after 6 months, 7.8 microns of wear after one year, and 10.3 microns of wear after 2 years.

Electron microscopic evaluation of altered collagen structure induced by N-monochloroglycine (GK-101).

The effects of N-monochloroglycine (NMG) solutions on the structure of collagen were studied by transmission electron microscopy. In addition to finding that collagen structure was altered by NMG solutions, the results offer evidence that buffer and water also exert some effect on collagen fiber structure.

Effects of GK-101 (NMG) and sodium hypochlorite on salivary amylase activity.

A study was designed to assess the effects of the sodium salt of N-monochloroglycine (NMG) and sodium hypochlorite on the activity of salivary amylase. Concentrations of each agent were varied to determine the concentration at which the threshold and total inhibition of enzyme would be obtained. The data indicated that NMG at concentrations of 0.10% (w/v) does not affect amylase activity, whereas sodium hypochlorite at concentrations of 0.05% (w/v) totally inhibits salivary amylase activity.

A chemical evaluation of collagen and hydroxyproline after treatment with GK-101 (N-Chloroglycine).

The reactions of GK-101 (N-chloroglycine) with collagen and hydroxyproline, were studied with regard to caries removal. After reaction with N-chloroglycine, collagen was analyzed for bound available chlorine by iodiometric titration, and hydroxyproline conversion to pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid was measured by they production of a red chromogen after PAB treatment. The results indicated that collagen was chlorinated by N-chloroglycine and hydroxyproline was converted to pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid after N-chloroglycine reaction. These findings tend to indicate two possible pathways of N-chloroglycine protein interaction.